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Community Resiliency
The Facts About 211: 2025 Impact Snapshot
The data collected from over 19 million referrals to the 211 service provides an in-depth look at top needs nationwide.
Accessible to 99% of the U.S. population, 211 is the federally designated 3-digit dialing code that connects to a free, confidential service for information and referrals to a wide range of social services programs and resources.
Available 24/7 in 180+ languages, assistance from 211 is accessible via phone, text, web chat, email, and searchable online resource directories. In times of personal crisis or daily challenge, 211 is here to help.
In 2025, 211 community resource specialists made 19 million referrals for locally available help, 1 million more than in 2024, based on United Way Worldwide's just-released annual 211 Impact Survey.
211 is on the front lines of community need, and it's sounding a clear alarm about the challenges our neighbors face. Our nation thrives when communities have the resources they need."
- Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide
211 Impact Survey
The 2025 Impact Survey -- the one-of-a-kind report that collects data from all 50 states -- offers valuable insights into trends and challenges faced by households and communities across the country.
53K
stories heard per day
19M
referrals provided in 2025
150%
increase in housing referrals in last 10 years
United Way Worldwide released its 2025 Impact Survey data, showing the top needs of people nationwide. The 211 network made an average of 37 referrals per minute to people seeking help with housing, utilities and food, among other pressing needs. In 2025 alone, the 211 network made six million referrals for housing assistance, a 150% increase over the past decade, and the largest share of requests for help.
Top Referrals
#1 Housing
211 made 6 million referrals for housing last year -- 30 percent of all referrals. That’s an all-time high, reflecting a steady rise in affordable housing needs. People are asking for help finding affordable housing, getting short-term rental assistance, seeking legal aid to fight eviction, and looking for emergency shelters .
#2 Utilities
Utilities assistance was the second-largest referral category, increasing nearly 6% from 2024 and doubling over the last decade to 3.1 million referrals. These referrals help prevent electricity shut-offs, including for medically vulnerable individuals who rely on powered medical equipment, and provide respite from extreme cold and heat. In 27 states, housing and utilities together represented over half of all referrals.
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#3 FOOD
Food referrals reached 2.5 million, nearly double pre-pandemic levels. Needs grew due to disruptions to SNAP benefits and shrinking resources for food pantries. Not reflected in the data are the over 1 million searches through 211’s National Food Locator, launched in November.
Other Top Needs
#4 Referrals for legal, consumer, and public safety assistance
#5 Referrals for individual, family, and community support assistance
#6 Referrals for mental health and substance use disorders assistance
#7 Referrals for income support and financial assistance
How United Way Helps
In addition to 211 referrals, our network -- which includes local United Ways, partners, volunteers, and individual supporters -- creates tailored solutions to meet community needs in unique ways.
What You Can Do
Get Help
If you're in need of assistance, call 211 or visit 211.org to see what resources may be available in your community.
Donate
Supporting 211 helps connect people to the help they need. Make a gift to 211 today.
Partner With Us
If you're an individual or organization looking to get more involved, we can work together on solutions that make a lasting difference.
Contact Us
Media Inquiries
Looking for more information or a quote to include in your upcoming publication? Send a message to our public relations team!